In a quiet Highland setting, a group of individuals reflect on the life of Simon, a warrior who was highly respected by his comrades. The scene begins with a moment of silence, marked by soft music that underscores the somber nature of the moment. Simon, it is said, was a man of valor and honor, admired by those who fought alongside him. Now, after his passing, there is hope that his spirit finds peace.

The speaker, deeply moved by Simon’s loss, acknowledges the good deed done by bringing Simon back home. His return fulfills what was thought to be his final wish—to be laid to rest in the Highlands, amongst his people. The speaker expresses that Simon, though a brave and respected warrior, spent much of his life far from his own family and homeland. He was instead engaged in conflicts that were not his own, a fact that weighs heavily on those who knew him best.

There is regret in the speaker’s words, particularly the sense of unfulfilled promises and undone business left in the wake of Simon’s life. Despite these feelings, the speaker recognizes the act of bringing him home as a noble one, giving some comfort amidst the grief. Simon’s life was not solely defined by the battles he fought, but by the family and community he left behind—people who will now carry the burden of unfinished things.

A brief moment of humor breaks the tension when the conversation shifts. One of the individuals involved, possibly an outsider, tries to downplay the situation by suggesting they should have sent word ahead of their arrival. There is a mild response, indicating that they need not have worried about such formalities. The presence of the group is not unknown to those in the area. The arrival of their party, particularly one with ties to the well-known Fraser family, seems to have already been anticipated by many.

The conversation takes another turn when the focus shifts to the issue of names and perceptions. One of the characters, perhaps an Englishwoman, is referred to as an “English witch.” This term is not unfamiliar to her, as she has been called this before. The speaker mentions that it’s a label frequently used by the Highlanders when they encounter someone they view as different. The term, though seemingly harsh, is understood in context. It is a reflection of the Highlanders’ directness and their tendency to label things as they see them. Yet, there is a nuance here—a sense that those who have been called such names do not always take offense. In fact, the speaker implies that the woman in question was perhaps not insulted by the remark, but instead had enough wit to understand the underlying dynamics at play.

This moment in the dialogue reveals the complex relationships between the people of the Highlands and outsiders, especially in a time when tensions between cultures were high. It’s not just about the language they use, but the way they see the world and those who are part of it. The Highlanders, it seems, value honesty and straightforwardness, even if it means calling things out without hesitation.